Setting Up the Power Button on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board

Issue Overview

Users have reported difficulties in setting up the power button on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit. The main symptoms include confusion regarding which pins to connect for the power button functionality, leading to either improper operation or failure to power on/off as expected. This issue arises primarily during the setup phase when users attempt to integrate a physical power button into their configuration. Users have mentioned specific pin numbers, such as pins 1-2 for the power button and 7-8 for jumpers, but there is inconsistency in the guidance provided across different sources. The impact of this issue can lead to frustration and potential damage if users attempt to force power cycles without proper shutdown procedures.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: Incorrect wiring or using incompatible components may prevent the power button from functioning correctly.
• Configuration Errors: Misunderstanding of pin assignments can lead to improper connections that do not trigger the desired functionality.
• Driver Issues: If the system does not recognize the button press due to software misconfigurations, it may not respond as intended.
• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may not follow the correct steps or may misinterpret instructions, leading to incorrect setups.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply issues or temperature extremes could affect hardware performance and reliability.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Pin Connections:

   • Ensure that you are connecting pins correctly according to the specifications:
     • Connect PIN1 (PWR) and PIN2 (GND) on J14 for the power button.
     • Jumper PIN7 and PIN8 to disable auto power-on functionality.

2. Check Documentation:

   • Refer to the official Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit User Guide for detailed instructions on pin configurations and jumper settings.

3. Testing Power Button Functionality:

   • After setting up, press the power button briefly to see if it powers on/off correctly. If not, double-check your connections.
   • If using a momentary switch, ensure it is functioning properly by testing with a multimeter.

4. Use Terminal Commands for Shutdown:

   • If you encounter issues with powering off without a monitor, use SSH or serial console access:

     sudo shutdown -h now
     

   • This command ensures a clean shutdown before cutting power.

5. Investigate Auto Power-On Behavior:

   • If your device powers on automatically when connected to a power source despite jumper settings, ensure that pins 7 and 8 are correctly jumpered.

6. Consider Environmental Factors:

   • Ensure your power supply provides adequate voltage (19V) and that there are no overheating issues affecting performance.

7. Recommended Configuration:

   • Based on user feedback, a reliable setup involves:
     • Jumpering pins 7 and 8.
     • Connecting a momentary switch between pins 1 and 2.
   • This configuration has been confirmed by multiple users as effective.

8. Documentation Links:

   • For further assistance, consult additional resources such as Nvidia Developer Forums where similar issues are discussed.

9. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Always refer to official documentation before making hardware modifications.
   • Test configurations in a controlled environment before deploying in critical applications.

10. Unresolved Aspects:

    • Some users have noted that their devices do not respond properly when headless (without a monitor). Further investigation into software configurations related to GUI dependencies may be needed.

By following these steps, users should be able to successfully set up and troubleshoot their power button configurations on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.